One year ago, I remember how proud I was when the Council and Mayor declared the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the City of Seattle. Many know that date to be the federally enacted Columbus Day.
For a long time, Columbus was celebrated for his “discovery of America,” when indigenous people already lived and thrived on this land. The arrival of his ships started a long history of devastating harm against indigenous people, and the impacts are still felt today. It’s fitting that we replace a day to recognize Columbus with a celebration of our indigenous people.
This city would not exist without the indigenous peoples of this region, and we have a duty to achieve equity for them. Today, we honor them with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and we hope you join us in celebration at City Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.